Labrador Retriever
According to the American Kennel Club's statistics, Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed in the United States today. Originally bred as a versatile retriever for fishermen and hunters, today the Lab is still versatile; he's a hunting companion and a great family dog.
Least: | |
Grooming Difficulty: |
|
Puppy Activity Level: |
|
Adult Activity Level: |
|
Training Difficulty: |
|
Housetraining Difficulty: |
|
Health Concerns
Although basically a healthy breed, Labs do have some health problems that have been seen in the breed.
* Hip and elbow dysplasia
* Knee problems
* Eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts
* Allergies
The Perfect Owner and Home
Although patience is required during the breed's extended puppyhood, over all, Labs can be a great addition to a family that wants the dog to be a member of the family, in the house and a part of the family's activities.
The perfect owner wouldn't mind dog hair in the house, a few muddy paw prints or a very strong wagging tail. Although Labs can live in the city, they are happiest when they can run outside, chase the birds that fly over, and play in a puddle.
If you want a dog who is devoted only to you, don't get a Lab. Sure, your Lab will love you, but he will love your neighbor, too, and the delivery driver and even the mail carrier! However, if you want a social, happy, friendly dog; well, then, the Lab is the right dog for you.
Appearance and Grooming
Size: |
Large: 21 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder |
Weight: |
55 to 75 pounds |
Grooming Difficulty: |
|
Cost of Grooming: |
|
Labs are a medium-size breed; most are between 21 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 55 and 80 pounds. The body is sturdy and compact, and muscular. The head is broad, the eyes are dark, and the ears hang naturally. The tail is of moderate length, thick and strong.
The breed's coat is weather proof, allowing them to shed off water like a seal. The coat is medium length with a dense undercoat and a coarser outer coat. Colors include yellow, black and brown. The coat is easy to care for but does require regular brushing. Brushing will help keep shedding to a minimum during most of the year but in the spring and fall, during the shedding seasons, this coat does shed!
Personality, Temperament, and Exercise Needs
Puppy Exercise and Playtime Needs: |
|
Adult Exercise and Playtime Needs: |
|
This breed's temperament is one of the things that most owners enjoy the most about the breed. Labs are happy dogs and they love people. Once a Lab is your friend, you will be greeted with a wildly wagging tail, a wiggling body and a smiling face every time you meet, no matter whether the dog saw you five months or five minutes ago.
This personality can make raising a puppy tough, though, because Lab puppies don't take anything seriously. They are happy puppies, with no fear and no sense of keeping themselves safe from harm. Therefore, puppy owners must make sure they are vigilant about puppy proofing the house, yard and garage so the puppy can't get into trouble.
Labs are great family dogs. They enjoy playing with children and are big enough to take some rough housing. They enjoy spending time with the family, even if it's just snoozing on the floor while the kids do their homework.
Labs need daily exercise. A couple of long brisk walks and several one-half hour play sessions throughout the day will keep an adult Lab happy; puppies will need more playtime.
Socialization and Training Needs
Training Difficulty: |
|
Housetraining Difficulty: |
|
Kindergarten puppy training is always a good idea for Labs. Not only will this help Lab puppy owners to establish some household rules, but the training can help the owners teach some basic obedience commands that will be important as the dog grows up.
Because this breed is so attached to people, Labs are not good backyard dogs and if left alone and isolated for too many hours, they may develop some bad habits. They may dig up the lawn, chew on things in the backyard, bark too much or even try to escape from the yard.
The breed has been successful in a variety of canine sports, including agility (learn more about Dog Agility), flyball, field trials, obedience competition, dock jumping (VIDEO: Dock Diving) and more.
Back...Petside: Get Started
-
- 2010 NCAA Mascot Tournament
Vote for your favorite pet mascots to determine the ultimate NCAA mascot champion!
-
- Find a Breed
Browse dog and cat breeds to find your perfect pal.
-
- Diagnose a Condition
Use PetVet to research what's ailing your pet.
-
- Locate a Hospital
- Find the nearest accredited animal hospital.
Specials
Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!
Comments (0)
Hide Posted Comments